Categories

Meyer Werft cuts steel for AIDA's first LNG ship

Meyer Werft cut the steel for AIDA Cruises’ first LNG-powered cruise ship at its yard in Papenburg, Germany on 21 February.

AIDA president Felix Eichhorn marked the start of the construction phase during an official ceremony, pressing the button of the computer-controlled combustion engine that machines the steel plates. He was joined by Meyer Werft’s director Bernard Meyer and managing partner Tim Meyer.

To be delivered at the end of 2018, AIDA’s newbuild will be the world’s first cruise ship that can fully operate on LNG fuel and will be joined by a sister in 2021.
Designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible, the 183,900gt vessels will be powered by LNG engines from Caterpillar/MaK. They will also be equipped with electromotors, LED lighting, an automation system, a heat recovery system, optimised underwater coatings to reduce water resistance and more.

“We are very pleased that we can break completely new technological ground with AIDA in this way,” said Tim Meyer, managing partner at Meyer Werft. “AIDA and Carnival now lead the way for establishing LNG as the fuel of the future.”

Onboard features will include the Brewerie, Theatrium, Beach Club and the Four Elements, 15 restaurants, 23 bars and 2,500 cabins.

“With the start of construction of the first LNG cruise ship in the world, we are not only setting standards for the future in terms of eco-friendliness,” said Eichhorn. “Thanks to the further development of the innovative ship design and a large number of successful product innovations of the existing AIDA fleet, we will be opening up totally new worlds of experience to our guests onboard our ships in the future.”

Stay connected

@Cruise_Ferry

CruiseandFerry.net is the online home of International Cruise & Ferry Review, a twice-yearly magazine that is also available for subscription in both printed and digital formats.

Via our website, magazine and social networks, we aim to be the world's best supplier of news and insight into the global passenger shipping industries. Our content covers both the cruise and ferry businesses, and provides our audience with insight into building and refurbishment, marine operations, onboard experience, ports and destinations and more.